LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE-MENTAL HEALTH

Summary

This position is eligible for EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of your start date.

Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

08 / 14 / 2024 to 09 / 03 / 2024

Salary

$60,618 - $94,608 per year

Salary ranges from GS-03 Step 1 to GS-06 Step 10.

Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 6

Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location :

• Brockton, MA 1 vacancy
• Remote job
• Telework eligible
• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed
• Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential
• Job family (Series)
• 0620 Practical Nurse
• Supervisory status
• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test
• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS) / Low Risk

• Trust determination process
• Credentialing
• Suitability / Fitness
• Financial disclosure
• Bargaining unit status
• Announcement number

CBTD-12513144-24-ST

Control number

804589100

Help

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.

Videos

Help

Duties

This Licensed Practical Nurse-Mental Health position is in Mental Health services at the VA Boston located at the Brockton location.

This position is a full time position at 40 hours per week.

The Mental Health Service is looking for highly skilled LPN's who are interested in joining mental health teams that serve veterans across a variety of residential and outpatient settings.

All positions are full-time.

The Homeless Domiciliary (REACH) program, located on the Brockton campus, is a residential treatment program for male and female veterans that addresses homelessness, unemployment, substance use, and other mental health problems.

The program goals include assisting veterans with obtaining stable housing and employment, achieving greater emotional stability, establishing a support system, solidifying skills for recovery, and developing a solid aftercare plan.

Functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients / residents receiving outpatient care, home or community living care or other patients / residents who are in acute, sub acute or chronic states of illness.

Assignments may involve complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements.

Demonstrates knowledge of basic health care provider skills. Follows standard precautions and other infection control protocols as needed.

Provides 1 : 1 or Safety Sitter nursing care to Veterans / residents who may require restraints or special observation. Understanding Veteran's / resident's rights and responsibilities.

Provides comprehensive physical care to Veterans / residents. Motivating Veterans / residents towards optimal level of functioning.

Accurately records care delivery and observations using established oral, written and computer communications according to documentation guidelines.

Licensed Practical Nurses will be expected to provide a range of patient / resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients / residents.

Incumbent will observe patients / residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and / or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.

Use of equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.

The Licensed Practical Nurse will communicate effectively with patients / residents, their families and other health professionals.

May serve as a preceptor to new Licensed Practical Nurses by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing / assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.

Will recognize and react to emergent patient / resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance, for example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

Preferred Experience : : Experience in residential treatment program.

Work Schedule : Night Shift 12 : 00a.m. to 8 : 00a.m.

Telework : Not Available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Position Title / Functional Statement # / F04737 / F04738 / F04739 / F04740

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

EDRP : Authorized. Contact Karen Chapman [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance on how to begin the application process.

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO) : Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report : Not required

Notifications :

• This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).

In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

May be required to travel to other Boston Campuses

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse : https : / / youtube.com / embed / Ae85IP1Oiz4

Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background / security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.
• Physical Requirements : Extensive periods of sitting, standing and walking. Working with patients requires regular and recurring lifting, pushing, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching and similar activities.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification / licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education : Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and / or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing(ACEN) at the time the program was completed by applicant.

Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Licensure : Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.

e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

English Language Proficiency : Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.

S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations :

GS-3

None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.

g. medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-4

Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria below :

a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or

b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; or

c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.

GS-5

a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.

b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and / or behavioral problems.

Works with the RN and / or MD / DO to appropriately orient / train less experienced LPNs / LVNs and / or Nursing Assistants (NAs) / Health Technicians(HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery.

Provides effective education to patients and / or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and / or prescribed treatment regimes.

c) Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.

d) Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and / or intravenous medications as permitted by approval local facility policies and procedures.

Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD / DO.

e) Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD / DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and / or pulmonary arrest.

f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage / malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

g) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD / DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures.

However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review.

GS-6

a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN / LVN.

b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

c) Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments;

and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD / DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies / procedures.

d) Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient / family education.

In organizing and delivering care, the LPN / LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

e) Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and / or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies / procedures.

Observes for physical and / or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications / treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD / DO.

f) Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and / or MD / DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

g) Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.

h) Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills.

Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.

Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and / or other internal / external customers.

i) Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and / or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure.

Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs / LVNs or NAs / HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests / procedures.

j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

References : VA Handbook Qualification Standards 5005 / 03, Part II Appendix G13 Licensed Practical Nurse

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6.

Education

IMPORTANT : A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note : Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

You can verify your education here : http : / / ope.ed.gov / accreditation / . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit : http : / / www.ed.gov / about / offices / list / ous / international / usnei / us / edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.

e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Read more

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.

V., and / or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.

g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.

g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.